Tomorrow, December 10th, is the anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton in 1968, one of the most popular spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton was originally raised in France, and for a short time in England, where he was baptized as an Anglican, before moving to Long Island. Eventually he became a member of the Roman Catholic Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, in central Kentucky, where he lived from 1941 to his accidental death in 1968 while on a mission in Thailand. Merton wrote over fifty books, but perhaps his most famous one is The Seven Storey Mountain.

Amongst my favorite quotes by Merton is: “People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.” As we draw close to the end of another year, it’s time to evaluate our past, and realistically look forward to the future. That being said, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite prayers.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road; although, I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Thomas Merton – Thoughts in Solitude

NOTICES:

THERE WILL BE OPENINGS FOR FIVE NEW VESTRY MEMBERS FOR 2023. INTERESTED PARISHIONERS CAN CONTACT FATHER THOMAS OR ANY VESTRY MEMBER.

Facebook Page.  Please join our St. David’s social media community by scanning the QR code below. This will take you to our Facebook page where you can begin to follow us if you have not done so in the past.”

ECW will hold a regular meeting Saturday, December 3rd, at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall, followed by lunch at Los Agaves in Royal Palm Beach.

Church cleaning and decorating. We need volunteers from the men of the church to help set up the Christmas trees and get decorations out of the attic starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10th. All members welcome to come clean and decorate church for Christmas on Saturday, December 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Men will set up crèche for Live Nativity at 9 a.m. Please contact Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902.

Christmas Flowers. We are collecting donations of $25.00 for Christmas flowers starting this week. Please fill in a form and leave it in the bag on the credenza or put it in the plate. The deadline is December 14th.

St. David’s Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for our joyous holiday concert! Enjoy musical performances. We hope to see you there. A reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Suggested donation of $20.00

The Live Nativity, one of our oldest traditions at St. David’s, will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and see the display that evening, but we also need volunteers of all ages to be in the display. To volunteer or get more information, call or text Jenifer Elmore at 561-601-3346 at your earliest opportunity.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.

Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Ron, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For the departed: Bryan Rhodes and Henriette Gardinier. For birthday celebration: Robert Bresnahan. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca and Alexandra.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

There’s an old story about two men walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bear. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bear followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it. Terrified, one of the men shouted, “O Lord, please make this a Christian bear.” And with that, the bear stopped in its tracks, knelt down, looked up and said, “O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.”

We have much to be thankful for, even the many blessings we often take for granted. The happiest people are not necessarily those who have the best of everything, but those who make the best of everything they have. Thanksgiving is not merely one day, but a way of life. So, on the upcoming holiday next week, yes, Lord, make us truly thankful!

ECW will not hold a regular meeting in November, but will hold a regular meeting on Saturday, December 3rd, at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall, followed by lunch at Los Agaves in Royal Palm Beach.

Christmas Outreach: I am excited to announce that, based on the pledges collected this past Sunday, we will be able to provide $75 Walmart gift cards to the 35 youngsters and their families at the Fortin Center in South Bay (just outside Belle Glade city limits)!!! Thank you for your ongoing generosity. I am again amazed, but no longer surprised, at your outpouring of care and concern for our neighbors in the Glades. I will be collecting for the next two Sundays before and after each service. Please bring cash, checks payable to St. David’s, or your credit cards. If you will not be at church either Sunday you can mail your check to me at 104 Locust Ln, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. Joyce Parker 561-312-2719

ECW is hosting a Christmas-themed decorative craft workshop at Board & Brush in Wellington on Saturday, December 10th, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and includes all supplies to make a lovely and durable Christmas craft to decorate your home or give as a gift. Contact Linda McKeown at llmckeown51@comcast.net for more information or to reserve a space for the Board & Brush event. All women of the parish are invited to all ECW events.

St. David’s Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for our joyous holiday concert! Enjoy musical performances. We hope to see you there. A reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Suggested donation of $20.00

The Live Nativity, one of our oldest traditions at St. David’s, will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and see the display that evening, but we also need volunteers of all ages to be in the display. To volunteer or get more information, call or text Jenifer Elmore at 561-601-3346 at your earliest opportunity.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour next Sunday will be hosted by the Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next Sunday will be hosted by the ECW.

Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Forward Day by Day brochures are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Gloria Legister, Carole Sneade, Michael Neumeyer, Wally Hernandez, Sara Webber, Joy Noe, Matthew Hogan, Beatrice Sauerbier. For our expectant mother: Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

Hero worship is a popular element of our culture. Heroes in sports, music, entertainment are often the subjects of our admiration. As I observe our day school parents dropping off or collecting children every day, I can’t help but acknowledge who the real heroes are in everyday life. For some parents, just getting multiple children washed, dressed, fed, and buckled up in the car or van and off to school can be a “colossal victory.” I remember a mother of two sets of twin boys, with another son still in diapers who attended our school years ago: you should have watched her trying to corral her four children and get them into the vehicle at the end of the day! Whew!

When asked about Church affiliation, most people would say: “Episcopalian, or Catholic, or . . .” but few would simply say, “Disciple.” I think that description belongs to the great heroes of the Faith – apostles, martyrs, holy women and men, who made a noticeable and lasting impact on the spiritual life of many in their day. But folks like parents with multiple children, children of disabled parents or spouses also qualify for special recognition.

Denise Roy is the author of My Monastery is a Minivan: Where the Daily is Divine and the Routine Becomes Prayer. She writes, “For two decades as a parent, I have broken bread, poured grape juice, preached, prayed, told stories, bestowed blessings, taken care of the sick, heard confessions. These have been the sacraments of my daily life. These are how we mediate love as we minister to our own small congregation of children, spouse and friends. If we pay attention, any moment, person, or place may be a potential source of wisdom, a dwelling place for divinity.”

Maybe we don’t have the luxury or time to go on retreat at a monastery, or return to college and study theology, but God gives us ample opportunities to witness to our faith and expects nothing less of all Christians – lay and clergy alike. Jesus invites us, like He invited the apostles, the fishermen, the farmers, the tax collectors, the woman at the well, and the peasants long ago to walk with Him, and bring others with us, in The Way that leads to eternal life.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6th at 2 a.m. Please remember to set your clock back one hour on Saturday night, November 5th.

Welcome Back Breakfast hosted by the Vestry this Sunday, November 6th after the 10:00 a.m. mass. Please join us in the Parish Hall.

The ECW is hosting a food collection for St. George’s Center, Riviera Beach on Sundays, November 6th and 13th. Boxes of cereal, cans of meat or fish, chicken and spam can be dropped off in the west parking lot on those two Sundays. Look for the signs!

BUNKO IS BACK!! Come join us for serious fun and great camaraderie! Saturday, November 12th, at 6:00 p.m., in the Parish Hall. A super easy game to learn if you’ve never played and loads of fun! Bring a dish to share and a friend or two – the more the merrier! Cash prizes will be awarded, and you win even if you lose!! Seriously, where are you going to find that?! Come out to see what the excitement is all about! $10 per person – total bargain for a night full of fun!

ECW will not hold a regular meeting in November, but will hold a regular meeting on Saturday, December 3rd, at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall, followed by lunch at Los Agaves in Royal Palm Beach.

ECW is hosting a Christmas-themed decorative craft workshop at Board & Brush in Wellington on Saturday, December 10th, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and includes all supplies to make a lovely and durable Christmas craft to decorate your home or give as a gift. Contact Linda McKeown at llmckeown51@comcast.net for more information or to reserve a space for the Board & Brush event. All women of the parish are invited to all ECW events.

St. David’s Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for our joyous holiday concert! Enjoy musical performances. We hope to see you there. A reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.

Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Forward Day by Day brochures are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Timothy, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Dennis South, Judy Devonish, Desmond Chambers, Cecil Wray. For our expectant mother: Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

The baseball season is nearing its end with the playoffs going on at present. Leith Anderson, a pastor, shares an experience growing up as a boy outside of New York City. He was an avid fan of the old Brooklyn Dodgers. One day his father took him to a World Series game between the Dodgers and the Yankees. He was so excited, and he just knew that the Dodgers would trounce the Yankees. Unfortunately, the Dodgers never got on base, and his excitement was shattered. Years later he was engrossed in a conversation with a man who was a “walking sports almanac.” Leith told him about the first major league game he ever attended and added, “It was such a disappointment. I was a Dodgers fan and the Dodgers never got on base.” The man replied, “You were there? You were at the game when Don Larsen pitched the first perfect game in World Series history?” Leith replied, “Yeah, but uh, we lost.”

Sometimes it’s difficult to see the good news within the apparent and overwhelming bad news. The Good News, the Gospel we proclaim, shines through the darkest moments of our life, our nation, and the world. Yes, you “can’t win them all.” Remember that Babe Ruth held the record for the most career home runs, and at the same time the most strikeouts! Brett Farve, likewise, held the record for some time for throwing the most touchdown passes, and the most interceptions. Man O War, lost only one race to a horse named “Upset,” hence the origin of the word in our vocabulary.

Remember, the Old Testament character Job- he was not really patient; but he was persistent! Anybody can start the race in the real world, but they don’t give out the awards until you finish. We take the good with the bad, knowing that in the end, God wins: because “Love is stronger than death.”

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Daughters of the King social event on Saturday, Oct. 29th at 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Diana Myrie, Beatrice Deshommes or Marianne Davidson for more information.

Blessing of the Animals has been scheduled for Sunday, October 30th immediately following the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses.

ECW invites all women of the parish to a Fall Painting Workshop by Jan’s Finest in the Parish Hall, Saturday, Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m. All materials and hands-on instruction will be provided, light seasonal refreshments will be served, and NO ARTISTIC TRAINING OR TALENT IS REQUIRED! Cost is $25 per person, and reservations are available until Oct. 28 or until all spaces are filled. To reserve a space, contact Georgette Dzubiak at Zubie01@hotmail.com or sign up on the sheet in the church narthex.

The ECW is hosting a food collection for St. George’s Center, Riviera Beach on Sundays, November 6th and 13th. Boxes of cereal, cans of meat or fish, chicken and spam can be dropped off in the west parking lot on those two Sundays. Look for the signs!

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Caribbean Congregation. Next Sunday will be hosted by Maria Scher.

Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Caribbean Sunday Service: Please join us for our Caribbean Sunday service on October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. We will have steel pan music with a Caribbean reception following the mass.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jean, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Timothy, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Violet Henry, Fay Ishmael. For anniversary celebrations: Everald and Phyllis Thomas. For our expectant mother: Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

As a child, I remember spending many Saturday evenings with my grandparents and watching the Ed Sullivan Show on television. Among the memories was watching the guys who would come out on the stage and spin china plates on vertical poles; first one, then another, and then more at the same time. After half a dozen or so, you’d hold your breath waiting for the plates to come crashing down.

How often in life do we feel like we’re juggling too many things at once? If you have three calendars, two computer screens, and two phones, you’re probably too busy. The paradox, however, is that many people are busy and yet bored at the same time. While running from one meeting or event to the next, we wonder if anything important is really happening. While trying to keep up with the many tasks and commitments, we are not sure that it would make any difference if we did nothing at all. While pushing ourselves in all directions, we doubt if anyone really cares. In short, our lives are full, but unfulfilled. Boredom can be linked to resentment. When we are busy, yet wondering if our busyness means anything to anyone, we feel manipulated and exploited. Of course, anyone with multiple children, several jobs, a spouse, and aging parents, will inevitably feel overworked and stressed out. All of which can lead to anger, depression, or related health issues.

Jesus has an answer. He wants to bring us to a place where we belong. But His call to live a spiritual life can only be heard when we are willing to recognize our “spiritual homelessness.” Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who know their need of God.” Recognizing that our true home is in heaven will keep us focused on the primary things in this life; and “All the other things shall be yours as well.”

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Vestry Meeting will be held this Sunday at 11:10 a.m.

Caribbean Sunday Service: Please join us for our Caribbean Sunday service on October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. We will have steel pan music with a Caribbean reception following the mass.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Vases needed for flower delivery. If you are able to donate vases, please put them under counter in the ladies room. Thank you. Linda

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jean, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Timothy, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Laurel Coore, Carolyn Schmiedl, Jean DeLeon, Joanna Morlu, Judy Bennett. For our expectant mothers: Sarah and Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL